Rassie’s power play will pay off

Rassie Erasmus’ gamble to back six forwards on the Springbok bench will pay off against Japan and later in the tournament, writes JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo.

Boks must slow Japan tempo, not match it

The Springboks should look to control the contest on Sunday by throwing a wrench into the gears of the Japan attack, writes JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo.

Boks have laid a formidable foundation

Rassie Erasmus’ investment in a wider group of players will reap significant benefits in the short and long term, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Bongi may be Boks’ best bet

Rassie Erasmus has a tough call to make regarding his starting hooker ahead of the do-or-die World Cup clash with Japan, writes JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo.

Boks can’t afford to look beyond Japan

Japan will pose a unique threat to the more-fancied Springboks in the quarter-final on Sunday, writes JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo.

Passion and skill power Japan engine

Japan have their fans as well as their coaching staff to thank for a historic victory against Scotland on Sunday, writes JON CARDINELLI at the Yokohama Stadium.

World Cup Tour Tales: Week 4

JON CARDINELLI reflects on Typhoon Hagibis as well as the more pleasant distractions of Kobe and Kyoto.

Hagibis rains on RWC parade

Typhoon Hagibis has put a damper on a potentially explosive end to the World Cup pool stage, writes JON CARDINELLI in Kobe.

Boks yet to atone for All Blacks loss

The big wins against Namibia, Italy and Canada have done little to prepare the Springboks for a quarter-final showdown with Japan or Ireland, writes JON CARDINELLI in Kobe.

Can Boks block out the noise?

The Eben Etzebeth saga, as well as the social-media reaction to the ‘bomb-squad’ celebration, are distractions that the Springboks could do without, writes JON CARDINELLI in Kobe.